Booby-trap victim 'killed by Real IRA'

A bomb that killed a civilian contractor at an Army base in Londonderry yesterday was planted by the Real IRA, security sources said.

It was the first murder, despite numerous attempts, carried out by dissident republican terrorists since the Omagh bombing in 1998 in which 29 people died.

David Caldwell, a former corporal who served for 11 years in the Ulster Defence Regiment, died after picking up a booby-trapped lunch box that contained explosives.

The attack was condemned across the political divide in Northern Ireland. In a joint statement, David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionists, and Mark Durkan, leader of the SDLP, said: "We condemn without reservation those responsible for carrying out this explosion.

"Once again, we have seen how the actions of those opposed to peace bring pain and suffering to an innocent family."

The couple have a teenage daughter and Mr Caldwell had two grown-up daughters from a previous relationship.

Mrs McFaul said: "Why would they take a father and a husband from his family? He was just doing a day's work. He never thought his life was in danger. He thought the peace process had put an end to all that."

Mrs McFaul said she did not want revenge but the Red Hand Defenders, a cover name for loyalist terrorists, threatened "military action" against those responsible for the murder.

Caw was unguarded but is opposite Clooney Army barracks and its imposing watchtowers. The Caw base is still used by Army cadets and Territorial Army medics.

An Army spokesman said: "The medical staff are lifesavers and it's outrageous that such an incident should occur in such a place."

The attack is similar to three others in the area on what police called "soft targets".

No organisation claimed responsibility for yesterday's attack. Two men and a woman were last night being interviewed by detectives in connection with it.

The Real IRA is thought to have two cells operating in Londonderry.

Hardline Unionists said the bombing demonstrated that the political process for peace was not working despite Tony Blair's statement to Parliament on the ceasefires last week.